What is disc desiccation and how can you treat it?
Some treatment options that are often used in conjunction with one another include: Over-the-counter pain relievers Posture awareness and postural changes Diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight Stop smoking Practicing proper lifting techniques Physical therapy to strengthen core muscles and ...
What causes disc desiccation and what are its treatment options?
If disc desiccation is producing noticeable symptoms, the level of spinal deterioration is likely quite advanced; in these cases, I would integrate different treatment disciplines, such as chiropractic and rehabilitation, that work towards reducing joint stress, achieving a structural change, increasing circulation around the affected disc(s), and increasing core strength so …
What is the cure to disk degenerative disease?
Dec 14, 2021 · Some of the most commonly used are the following: Simple spine X-ray: This is a cheap method that emits little radiation, but the technique may limit the quality. Computed tomography: This allows multiple images of the spine to be obtained, although the appreciation of the soft... Nuclear magnetic ...
Can disc desiccation be reversed?
Jun 13, 2018 · Basic home remedies include: avoiding painful or uncomfortable positions using a brace around the back when lifting something heavy increasing strength of the back muscles through core exercises and weight loss taking over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain relievers when needed using steroid ...
Can disc desiccation be cured?
Disc desiccation may be an unavoidable part of a long, healthy life, but there are several options for managing any symptoms you have. If you're having back pain, work with your doctor to come up with a pain management plan. This usually involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and exercise.Nov 1, 2017
Can you reverse disc desiccation?
While degenerative disc disease can be slowed down and potentially reversed, it's not a quick fix or process. As the effects of disc degeneration are cumulative and occur gradually over time, chiropractic treatment would focus on lessening the stress on the joints to facilitate structural changes.
How do you rehydrate a desiccated disc?
Follow these practices to help your body regularly replenish and fortify the discs in your spine so that your back remains healthy.Eat fruits and vegetables, because they also contain water.Check your urine.Keep your intake to 30 to 50 ounces or 1 to 1.5 liters each day.Gradually drink water throughout the day.More items...•Dec 20, 2018
Is disc desiccation a disability?
Disc desiccation can lead to limited range of motion as well as stiffness, numbness, pain, and weakness at the desiccation source. This can be life-altering. If you are able to provide the proper medical evidence, you are able to qualify for disability benefits.
Can you rehydrate your discs?
Our discs will successfully rehydrate themselves during the night, and also during the day with good movement, as long as there are adequate water levels within the body. When there is not enough water available to fully hydrate the gelatinous center, the whole disk becomes compromised.Oct 27, 2015
What causes disc desiccation?
Most often, disc desiccation is a feature of degenerative disc disease, and is caused by the cumulation of wear and tear on the spine as we age, and related lifestyle choices. Less commonly, it can also be caused by trauma.
Does disc desiccation require surgery?
Surgery may be necessary if these measures do not work. There are many different ways that surgery can help with a desiccated disc. Possible procedures may include: Fusion: The surgeon will join together the vertebrae surrounding the desiccated disc.Jun 13, 2018
How long does it take to rehydrate discs?
To rehydrate your discs, try one of the following techniques prior to the onset of your afternoon pain, try to sustain the position for 10-15 minutes for maximal rehydration: Lay down in a comfortable position (on stomach, on back with knees propped up, in child's pose position)May 3, 2018
Does drinking water help bulging discs?
Eventually, it can lead to pain and swelling and even a bulging disc or herniated disc. Drinking water to adequately replenish the discs with the amount water needed to work properly can reduce the likelihood of developing back pain.Jun 23, 2017
What is spinal desiccation?
Degeneration of the discs particularly in the moving sections of the spine (cervical and lumbar levels) is a natural process of aging. This dehydration or desiccation of the disc material reduces the flexibility and typically the height of the disc.
Can you work with degenerative disc disease?
For people with degenerative disc disease, working can be rough. Sitting for long periods of time at a desk can aggravate your back, as can heavy manual labor. But just because the work day is rough doesn't mean that it's impossible to work with degenerative disc disease. To do it, you need to think about ergonomics.
Is mild disc bulge common?
However, studies have shown over and over, that disc bulges are incredibly common, and can be seen on MRIs of people without back pain or spine problems.Mar 4, 2021
How to tell if discs are desiccated?
One of the first signs of disc desiccation is stiffness in the back. This stiffness can also be accompanied by pain, weakness, and/or tingling. If the affected discs are in the lower back, numbness in the area is a common symptom.
Why do discs help the spine?
By acting as the spine’s shock absorbers, the discs help to evenly distribute the mechanical stress that’s incurred during movement so that no particular section of the spine is taking on more stress and weight than the others.
How do intervertebral discs help the spine?
As already mentioned, the intervertebral discs contribute to the spine’s health and function in several ways. As the discs separate adjacent vertebrae, they provide cushioning so the vertebrae are not rubbing up against one another during movement; constant rubbing would increase degeneration.
Why is it important to hydrate your discs?
The discs need to stay well hydrated to perform optimally. Disc hydration is also important as the inner portion is the main bearer of the body’s axial load (force exerted on the spine); nucleus pulposus strength and flexibility is dependent upon its water-based contents.
What happens when the spine dehydrates?
Once the spine’s discs start to dehydrate and degenerate, it can impact the overall health of the spine. Disc desiccation refers to the loss of hydration experienced by the spine’s intervertebral discs, commonly presenting alongside degenerative disc disease. Symptoms vary depending on the severity and location of the affected discs, ...
What are the intervertebral discs?
The intervertebral discs are important components of the spine’s structure, function, and overall health. Let’s take a closer look at the intervertebral discs, their structure, and how they contribute to the health of the spine.
Does weight affect discs?
Being overweight and/or leading a sedentary lifestyle can also play a role in the longevity of the spinal discs. Carrying excess weight puts more strain on the spine and its individual parts, making them work harder to try and absorb/distribute the body’s axial load. Conversely, sudden weight loss can also contribute to disc desiccation as it can ...
What is disc desiccation?
Disc desiccation is one of the most common features of degenerative disc disease. It refers to the dehydration of your discs. Your vertebral discs are full of fluid, which keeps them both flexible and sturdy. As you age, the discs begin to dehydrate or slowly lose their fluid.
How to slow down disc degeneration?
Disc desiccation is a normal part of aging, but there are several things you can do to slow down the process, including: 1 exercising regularly and making sure to incorporate core-strengthening exercises into your routine 2 regularly stretching 3 maintaining a healthy weight to avoid putting extra pressure on your spine 4 not smoking, which can speed up the degeneration of your discs 5 staying hydrated 6 maintaining good spinal posture
How to tell if discs are desiccated?
The first sign of disc desiccation is usually stiffness in your back. You may also feel pain, weakness, or a tingling sensation in your back. Depending on which discs are affected, you could also feel numbness in your lower back. In some cases, the pain or numbness will travel from your back and down one or both legs.
What kind of scan is needed to check for disc pain?
This can also help your doctor figure out which discs might be affected. Next, you’ll likely need an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan to give your doctor a better look at your vertebrae and discs.
What is the best treatment for back pain?
A corticosteroid injection may help reduce inflammation and pain in your back. In rare cases, you may need spinal surgery. One type, called spinal fusion surgery, involves permanently joining two vertebrae. This can help to stabilize your spine and prevent movements that cause pain.
What to do if you have back pain?
If you’re having back pain, work with your doctor to come up with a pain management plan. This usually involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and exercise. Last medically reviewed on November 1, 2017.
How to relieve pressure on the back?
Massage therapy . Relaxing the muscles near the affected vertebrae can help relieve painful pressure. Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you how to strengthen the core muscles that support your trunk and take pressure off your back.
What are the treatment options for disc desiccation?
There are a lot of treatment options for people who suffer from disc desiccation. First of all, there are traditional options which include medication and surgery. However, there are also alternative methods which have more benefits.
What is disc desiccation?
As we mentioned, disc desiccation is a degenerative condition which usually affects older people. The spine is made up of vertebrae. In order to absorb the shock, a spongy disc is placed between each vertebra. Unfortunately, these discs can wear down and cause degenerative disc disease (DDD). One of the most common symptoms ...
What is spinal fusion surgery?
Known as a spinal fusion, surgery for disc desiccation is required only in serious cases. When spinal fusion is performed, the surgeon removes the damage disc and it replaces it with an artificial one. Unfortunately, a spinal surgery can create further complications and that is why it’s better to avoid it.
Where does DDD pain radiate?
Sometimes, this pain can also radiate from the lower back to the hips or the leg. Also, when the pain is located in the neck it can radiate to the hands or shoulders. Aside from the pain, which is common, there are other symptoms you can experience. Most DDD patients suffer from weakness, tingling, and lack of reflexes.
What happens when a disc is dehydrated?
When the fluid is lost then the discs dehydrate. That’s what causes the desiccation. This condition can lead to numbness, pain, and weakness in the area. However, in more serious cases some patients can experience impairment in functions of the nerves.
Is desiccation of the lumbar disc a degenerative disease?
This health problem is also known as the desiccation of lumbar disc. Unfortunately, this condition is a degenerative one. However, these are some forms of treatment that can help. Here you can find what disc desiccation is and some of the most common types of treatment for this disease. Before you choose a treatment make sure to read more about ...
Can disc desiccation cause pain?
Before you choose a treatment make sure to read more about disc desiccation. This condition is a serious one that can cause a lot of pain so let’s see how you can alleviate some of the pain.
What is disc desiccation?
Disc desiccation means the loss of hydration within the spinal intervertebral discs to make them more prone to degeneration. The condition plays a role in causing degenerative disc disease, which results from cumulative spinal wear and tear. As one ages, it is very typical to develop desiccated discs.
Causes
Keeping the spinal discs healthy is imperative for the spine to remain healthy. However, even spines that are well taken care of can suffer natural degeneration. Desiccated discs mostly come about due to aging and related lifestyle choices. Young people can also develop the condition. Causes that can speed up the condition are;
Symptoms
Most of the symptoms suffered and their severity depend on what part of the spine is affected. The affected part results in pain. For example, an affected cervical spine causes neck pain. Affected lumbar spine causes pain in the lower back. If the affected discs press against a nerve, the pain can be radiated to other parts.
Diagnosis
Most people will find out about the condition after a doctor’s or a spine specialist’s visit, usually, because of the back pain suffered. Professionals will inquire about previous conditions and possible surgical conditions. They will want to know more about your pain by asking;
Treatment
The occurrence of desiccated discs is gradual and occurs over the years. Once diagnosed with desiccated discs, the treatment goal is primarily to mitigate future fluid loss and preserve any remnant fluid. If desiccated discs are not causing any significant pain or affecting your daily life, treatment may not be necessary. Remedies may include;
Prevention
If surgery is to be done, it is always crucial to consider the best option suitable for one’s condition.
Final thoughts
Disc desiccation is a common and normal condition that naturally occurs as one ages. Mainly, it causes pain along the spine, which may also be radiated to other parts. For an accurate diagnosis, it is essential to have a doctor’s consultation. You can be presented with the best treatment options.
What are the symptoms of disc desiccation?
The clinical manifestations of disc desiccation are varied and nonspecific. This means that they can be present in many diseases, so the diagnosis may take some time.
Main causes
Disc desiccation occurs when the fluids that form part of the tissue of the intervertebral discs drain away. These fluids help to acquire the necessary elasticity to support the movements of the spine.
How can disc desiccation be diagnosed?
The physician can use the patient’s medical history and imaging studies to make a diagnosis. The first aspect includes a personal or family history of spinal problems, in addition to the characteristics of the symptoms experienced.
Available treatments
This depends very much on the clinical severity of the patient and their particular conditions. Initially, doctors recommend basic measures aimed at preventing the onset of symptoms, such as improving posture and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Can I prevent disc desiccation?
Avoiding direct trauma and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits during youth and adulthood are the best methods to prevent cases of disc desiccation. The latter include the following:
When to go to the doctor
If symptoms occur on a regular basis, you must plan a medical consultation as soon as possible. The best specialist is the neurosurgeon, although an evaluation in the primary care sector may be necessary.
Disc desiccation: a preventable and treatable issue
Although multiple factors influence its onset, you can manage disc desiccation correctly if you treat it early on. This reduces the likelihood of developing complications, such as herniated discs.
What is disc desiccation?
Disc desiccation is the dehydration of discs between the vertebrae. The symptoms of desiccation depend on the area of the spine that is affected. Cervical spine disc desiccation causes neck pain, while lumbar disc desiccation will cause pain in the lower back. Other symptoms of disc desiccation include:
How to prevent disc degeneration?
Prevention methods are good for general health and wellbeing and include the following: Stay hydrated: Not drinking enough water each day can cause the body to function less well or not retain enough water, including the discs.
What is the disc in the spine?
Outlook. The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, in between which are small fluid-filled discs. Desiccation of those discs is a common disorder caused by the tissues becoming dehydrated. The discs between the vertebrae in the spinal column absorb shock and impact and prevent the bones from rubbing against each other.
What does a doctor look for in a desiccated disc?
These tests allow the doctor to look directly at the bones and structure of the spine, including the shape and size of the discs . Dessicated discs may appear smaller or thinner, and the bones themselves may appear to have some damage if they are rubbing against each other.
What can be placed in between vertebrae to stop bones from rubbing?
This can help relieve pain and increase range of motion. Implants: Artificial discs, or spacers, can be placed in between vertebrae to stop the bones from rubbing. Someone who is considering surgery should find a spinal specialist who can present the options that are best for their situation.
What causes disc deformation?
Other causes of disc desiccation include: accident or trauma. weight gain or loss. repetitive movements, such as heavy lifting that strains the back.
Why do surgeons remove discs?
This helps to stabilize the back and prevent movement that can worsen pain or discomfort. Decompression: The surgeon will remove extra bone or a disc material that has moved out of place in order to make more room for the spinal nerves.
What is the best treatment for disc desiccation?
Chiropractic Therapy- Chiropractic care can treat disc desiccation. Chiropractors aid in aligning your back via natural methods, evening pressure and relieving muscles though posture fixing. Many individuals have claimed visiting a chiropractor is a basic for treatment of back pain.
How to relieve pain from disc desiccation?
You can relieve pain by performing regular exercises which strengthen muscles surrounding your spine . You can also have ice and heat therapies. Medications- Medication can help in reducing the pain of disc desiccation. You can have some temporary relief by taking pain killers and relaxants. However, you should only take ...
How to tell if disc desiccation is a symptom?
Some of the symptoms are: Reflexes change in extremities can be a symptom of disc desiccation. Discomfort or pain is a sign of disc desiccation. Pain in the spine or back, often observed during or following movement of back, which is the early sign of disc desiccation. Weakness, numbness or tingling sensations are also signs of disc desiccation.
What is the term for the deterioration of the intervertebral discs?
The intense deterioration of intervertebral discs which are present in the spine is known as disc desiccation. 1 The deterioration of disks increases with age, while gradual disc desiccation is to an extent an ordinary part of aging. It occurs due to substitution of hydrophilic glycosaminoglycan within the nucleus pulposus with fibrocartilage.
What is the term for a disc that is dry?
Disc desiccation comes from two terms, diskos in Greek meaning disc and desiccar in Latin which means to dry up.
What causes disc dehydration?
Natural aging process is the main cause of the condition of disc desiccation. A section of the fluid in your disc disappears as you grow older, the condition is known as disc dehydration. However, symptoms of partial disc desiccation is experienced by most people throughout their lifetime. The most individuals over 60 years ...
What is a flat disc?
A flat disc is present between two adjacent bones in your spinal column, known as vertebra. The discs act as shock absorbers and cushions, hence protects your spine. Annulus fibrosis that surrounds the jelly like nucleus pulposus makes the disc tough. Loss of fluid in the discs causes disc desiccation, hence the condition is diagnosed as disc ...